The inside track to a division championship. The Cornhuskers share first place in the Legends Division with Northwestern and Iowa; Ohio State is tied for first with Penn State in the Leaders Division. Nebraska would get to 2-0 heading into its bye week, giving it extra time to prepare for a big divisional battle against Northwestern. About all Ohio State has to play for is the trophy for winning its division, since the Buckeyes can't play in the Big Ten title game or a bowl because of NCAA sanctions.

KEY MATCHUP

The Cornhuskers' front seven led by DT Baker Steinkuhler and MLB Will Compton against Ohio State's running attack. The Buckeyes do not want to have QB Braxton Miller subjected to a lot of hard hits and starting RB Jordan Hall is doubtful (partially torn ligament in his right knee). They'd prefer to hand the ball to RBs Carlos Hyde, Rod Smith and Bri'onte Dunn. If Nebraska shuts down the backs, Ohio State will be forced to lean even more on Miller.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nebraska: QB Taylor Martinez is similar in many ways to Ohio State's Miller, an excellent runner capable of breaking a long run at any time. Martinez will mix up zone reads with handoffs to I-back Rex Burkhead while trying to keep the Buckeyes' defense honest with passes.

Ohio State: There'll be a lot of pressure on Ohio State's LBs -- Ryan Shazier, Storm Klein and Etienne Sabino -- to not only support the run-stopping line but also to drop into coverage.

FACTS & FIGURES

This is the first meeting when both teams are ranked. ... Nebraska coach Bo Pelini is a 1990 graduate of Ohio State, where he was a starting safety and a captain. ... A year ago, Ohio State rolled to a 27-6 lead in the third quarter in Lincoln, Neb., before Miller was hurt. The Cornhuskers ran off the final 28 points to win 34-27. ... Nebraska is 4-10 in road or neutral-site games against Top 25 opponents under Pelini, who is in his fifth season at Nebraska. ... The Huskers have lost five of their past six against Top 25 foes away from home. ... Nebraska (850) and Ohio State (830) are two of only seven FBS programs with 800 all-time victories.